therapist manuverability

Question 1

what is therapist manueverability

Answer 1

having the freedom to proceed in the way one thinks best and to be able to implement one’s best judgment throughout the course of treatment
-Ability to take purposeful action despite obstacles or restrictions, keep options open and shift as needed during the course of treatment

Question 2

how can therapists maximize manuverability

Answer 2

-Therapist needs to maintain own options while limiting those of the patient, therapist maneuverability depends on the client not having any
-Therapist has to use the option to pull back from a position
-Not being pressured to perform and the ability to take one’s time
-Using language so as to not take one person’s side
-Help the client take nonfluid positions
-Obtain strategic information from the client and elicit their compliance in carrying out suggestions or tasks
-Hold sessions with individuals or dyads

Question 3

what are some patient obstacles to manuverability

Answer 3

Patients who enter treatment under duress and patients who attempt to impose impossible restrictions on therapy, these two difficult patient types most often present obstacles to therapy

Window shopper can be an issue, someone who comes in for someone else, not really interested in making change
-How to handle this: renegotiate the contract of therapy (change the problem of focus), work with the complainant, or try and get the window shopper interested in treatment

Types of restriction: intimidation, trying to use old therapy, restrict therapist’s ability to see other family members